Thousands of people are involved in car accidents each and every day in the United States, and automobile collisions are one of the more common reasons why people visit a spine specialist. That’s because even at relatively low speeds, your spine oftentimes bears the brunt of the stress that occurs during a car accident, and that can lead to problems like muscle tears, vertebral fractures or whiplash injuries.
Although people will experience varying degrees of trauma during a car accident and there is no exact routine that should always be followed, there are some common steps that can prove helpful if you’re dealing with back pain after a car accident. We share some tips for caring for your spine after an automobile accident in today’s blog.
How To Treat Back Pain After A Car Accident
It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway – the following is just general advice. For the best care, visit a specialist who can assess your spine in person and provide you with an individualized treatment plan. In fact, seeing a specialist, even if you don’t believe that your injuries are serious, is a crucial first step in the process.
For starters, your body releases the hormone adrenaline during moments of intense stress. Adrenaline acts as a natural pain blocker during stressful situations, and a car accident is a very stressful experience. It’s very possible that you don’t notice how significant symptoms are until a day or two after the accident when the adrenaline has worn off. However, if you receive medical care shortly after the accident, your doctor can look for signs of hidden issues or problems that may have lingered had they not been properly identified and treated.
Another important reason to undergo a medical evaluation soon after the accident is to help with any injury compensation claim. Dr. Sinicropi has provided Independent Medical Exams and expert testimony for personal injury cases in the past, and he understands that a thorough and timely medical assessment only makes it easier for the injured party to collect the compensation they deserve. If you were injured on the job or as a result of someone else’s actions and there’s even a remote possibility that you’ll be filing a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim, get a medical evaluation right away. Don’t leave doubt about the extent or nature of your injuries after a car accident.
Helpful Conservative Options
If you’re waiting to hear back from your physician about your injuries or imaging results, it’s a good idea to try to protect your spine in the immediate aftermath of your car accident. During this period, you’ll find that rest, activity limitation and over-the-counter pain relievers will be helpful in alleviating mild levels of discomfort. These techniques will also reduce your likelihood of additional injury caused by continued stress on your back while it’s in a weakened state.
However, you shouldn’t expect to just lay in bed for weeks after an automobile accident. Again, you’ll want to follow the advice of your treating physician, but in many cases, controlled activity is better than prolonged rest. Staying sedentary for weeks will cause muscles to atrophy and joints to destabilize, whereas controlled exercise and gentle movements can help maintain physical function in your spine and its supportive structures. Activity will also help improve your circulation, which will ensure healthy blood gets to the structures that need it most after a traumatic experience.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, the rest of your treatment may only involve interventions like physical or manual therapy, while others may need more hands-on care in the form of corticosteroid injections or a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Your precise care will be dictated by the care team that can assess your injuries in person and develop a personalized treatment plan.
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do after an automobile accident is to get an evaluation from a physician or a spine specialist. They can either give you the peace of mind in knowing that you avoided major injury, or they can provide you with a specific diagnosis and get you back on the path to wellness with an individualized care plan.
For help with your back discomfort after a car accident or similar traumatic experience, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
